The How And The Why

by Sarah Treem

directed by Shelli Place

Evolution and emotion crash in The How and the Why, the thought-provoking and sharp new play about science, family and survival of the fittest. Written by esteemed playwright Sarah Treem, this production is the local debut of a play The New York Times calls “a smart, densely textured work about men and women, love and conflict, genes and destiny.”

The How and the Why is an intimate and keenly perceptive play where two female scientists explore the difficult choices women of every generation face. On the eve of a prestigious biology conference, up-and-coming PhD student Rachel wrestles for the truth with Zelda, an established scientist. Their question – why do women menstruate and undergo menopause, when most mammals do not? Zelda promotes “the grandmother hypothesis” – older women who aren’t fertile benefit their families by sharing their knowledge. Rachel has a radical new theory that could refute Zelda’s claim. The two women dig deep into the secrets of Mother Nature. What are women for?